Recently VMware announced the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Alliance.
So what is VDI? Basically, an IT administrator using software creates a desktop virtual machine and runs it centrally on a server. IT administrators can host and manage hundreds of desktop virtual machines in their data centres, offering remote users the same desktop tools regardless of where they are based. Since these applications are being managed centrally at the corporate data centre, organisations gain better control over their desktops and can more easily adhere to ever increasing compliance and security requirements.

To achieve this, a software virtualisation layer is inserted between the server hardware and the operating system. This layer supports the management of the multiple virtual machines, each of which can be thought of as a tightly isolated container complete with its own operating system and applications. By deploying these virtual machines, the user is provided with a working desktop environment no different than what they already use on a PC. Because each virtual machine is self-contained, users logging into Windows XP are presented with their familiar Windows applications whilst allowing customised desktop environment changes such as wallpaper and colour schemes.

Establishing the server's connection with the virtual desktop is the job of a remote desktop protocol such as Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol, or RDP. While other protocols are and will be offered, RDP is a popular choice for VDI as it is already provided with Windows XP Pro and supports many different network topologies and LAN protocols. Other remote desktop protocols in use include ICA, the sophisticated Independent Computing Architecture from Citrix, and VNC, an acronym for Virtual Network Computing. Either ICA or VNC makes it possible to interact with a properly configured computer or virtual machine from any device on the network.